7839-R1_MSA_Dec2021_MaineSnowmobiler

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December 2021 • Vol. 53 • No. 4 MSA, PO Box 80, Augusta ME 04332 United we trail, divided we fail www.mainesnowmobileassociation.com

An Official Publication of the Maine Snowmobile Association

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Discontinued Central Railroad line will be 32-Mile Trail!

New 32 Mile Recreational Trail Through Central Maine

By Al Swett W hat more could we have asked for? Fresh snow falling and a special group of folks spending the morning together in North Anson, The rail trail from Oakland to Embden is now official. The hard work and years of negotiating has paid off. This is a special place for me too; I started my Railroad days on this branch back in the 1970’s. I’m proud to be part of history that was made today. It started years ago with our good friend Scott Ramsey wanting a rail trail from Oakland to Embden, he along with Harvey Williams and others had a vision that is now a reality. This is going to be another part of the economic engine that snowmobiling brings to Maine. With thanks to Joe Higgins, Brian Bron- son, Lana Laplant-Ellis and Candice Pinkham and other state officials they made it happen. What a great

accomplishment. Central Maine businesses Oakland to Bingham will ben- efit from this new rail trail. It will be a straight shot with gas, food and lodging along the way. The area is buzz- ing with optimistic and pos- itive reaction. This will be a new snowmobile destination point. Also, with safety in mind it will keep folks off the Ken- nebec and Carrabassett Riv- er’s. A big deal here in Cen- tral Maine. The trestles will be planked over and fencing installed on both sides. A big job to come but it will hap- pen. The Norridgewock tres- tle along with the Madison and North Anson will all have safety in mind and will be a welcome relief and peace of mind knowing that we will not have to deal with those thin ice hazards. What good feeling day it was Snow and cold tem- peratures made it even bet- ter. Mr. Harvey Williams is a Maine Snowmobile Asso-

ciation Hall Of Fame Mem- ber. He has years of experi- ence and know-how with the MSA and his club, The North Anson SC. A gentlemen he is. He had a plan to create a rail trail and use the Railroad trestles finally came true, so on this day December 2nd 2021 it happened. Along with his awesome family, we dedicated the North Anson Bridge to Harvey. Sign’s will be on both ends of the struc- ture hanging high for years to come. Thank you Mr. Harvey Williams for all you do for us. Enjoy your new Railroad trestle! The Williams Bridge is now officially dedicated to The Williams. Hopefully by this time next year we will be riding on most of the new trail, give it time, we are all anxious to get it done especially me, it’s right in my back yard! What a good feeling day it was… snow, family and a dream come true! Thanks to everyone who came out.

Mexico Trailblazers 25th Annual “Blessing of the Sleds”

at the chance to get involved and with “new blood” the event has been growing every year. It is the largest fundraiser for both clubs, and with the VERY generous support from our local businesses, it is certainly worth the combined effort of both clubs. Each year a new “Blessing” sweat- shirt is created with a different front design and on the back is where we put our sponsor’s names. To put a large add on the shirt it costs $300.00 and a small add is $100.00. This is our BIGGEST year yet, with 15 large ads and 50 small ones!! That is a tribute to the area businesses that, year after year, support our sport. Without our great sponsors, this would not be possible. Each adver- tiser receives a sweatshirt in the size they desire, either with or without a hood. The past two years the shirts have been done by HOT COLORS, a small business owned by Barbara Lane of Peru. Not an easy job! Each year we try to have a different color and front. This year the event will be held on Feb. 12 th at theMountainViewCamp-

ground, located right on the ITS trail 82. Beginning at 10:30, we will serve hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, fair sausage (with onions and peppers), French fries, and cold drinks. We cook everything outside but you can eat inside. We are able to use the inside of the building so everyone can come in and get warm and use the facilities. Inside we have a raffle table, and a 50/50. The Bless- ing sweatshirts will also be avail- able to purchase. No matter the size and with or W/O a hood! The actual “Blessing” is at noon, with a Priest available to “Bless” each sled and driver. One can come by vehicle if you don’t have a sled!! This is a fun event and the food is always great! Please come to sup- port the two local snowmobiles clubs that work very hard to keep our trails smooth, safe, and mogul free!!! For more info, call Nicky at 418-1413 or Jon at 357-2223. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

25 years ago, a bunch of mem- bers of the Mexico Trailblaz- ers decided to have a “Blessing of the Sleds” event. When it first got started, it was a weekend event, not just one day. The mill was a HUGH supporter of the Blessing and helped tremendously with the cost of such an undertaking. It was held at the Mexico Rec Park with many snow- mobile related vendors present. It was a large happening!! Over the years thevolunteers started to diminish and the Mexico club asked the Dixfield club, Poodunck, if they wanted to become involved and help volunteer. Poodunck “jumped”

John Holmes

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It’s Not Just Grooming….But A Responsibility To Help

By: Jim Boyce

it was minus 9 and with no nearby houses I walked over to her and she didn’t move. I looked at her collar but no tags. It was cold and so was she, I picked her up and put her in the heated cab she didn’t mind it. The first thing I did is take a picture and send it out on social media I got a lot of feedback within minutes but nobody was missing a pooch. So I get back on social media and tell everyone that she is safe and going to be my passenger for the rest of my trip. We’re driving along listen- ing to Jerry which she didn’t mind at all! I looked over and said you need a name so I called her Daisy. We rode up to the turnaround where Carrabbassett meets us on ITS115, I stopped to get out and stretch and I went over to the pas- senger’s side and put Daisy down. She did her business and came back to my feet, I was hoping she wouldn’t run, I picked her back up and put her in the seat. I gave her one of my yodels but didn’t have any regular water, only sparkling so I grabbed a handful of snow and put it in the cup holder to melt she enjoyed that. Now for the trek back to the shed… I looked over she is curled up in a

ball sound asleep. In the meantime, I get a phone call from a local stor- eowner who raises hunting dogs he tells me to meet him in the morning and he will find a home if nobody claims her. So it is after midnight and I’m bringing Daisy home with me I get her a bed and feed her. The next morning I drove up to the store to drop her off and the owner comes out and said put her in my truck. We look her over and he turns to me and says she is pregnant - her back is smiling. I had no idea! He tells me people abandon dogs all the time in that field. He called me later that day to tell me he found a good home for her and he would pay for the doctor visits. Well low and behold that little beagle had twelve pups one didn’t make it and by the way they were black labs. On that very cold night, I was able to save twelve lives. This is the other responsibility I talk about it might be an animal or a broke down sledder or a lost hiker. We groomers are an island of heat in these cold winter nights. I haven’t seen Daisy since that day but I do see some of her pups and that makes all this worth it. Stay Safe my friends and keep making those roads.

W ith the season at our door- steps, I would like to reach out to my fellow groomers that make ROADS IN THE SNOW. We have a responsibility to make smooth trails and keep machinery running well but we also have another and I would like to share with you what happened to me. It was two years ago on a very cold night in February minus 9 when I crawled into the groomer. I started my six-hour run which I’ve done hundreds of times this time alone. I had my usual thermos of coffee some yodels and sparkling water I was set. I got started and I don’t know what you guys listen to but for me it’s the Grateful Dead Jerry music. I headed over our big- gest bridge in Kingfield a 100 footer and across a field where something catches my eye. You see a lot of ani- mal life at night, which is one of the great perks. I see this animal run and hide behind a bush on the side of the field so I stopped to get a pic but to my surprise, it was a beagle. Well

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2021 Groomer of the Year - Travis Roderick

Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife SNOWMOBILE SAFETY COURSES IF&W Recreational Safety Unit: 207-287-5220 An updated list of courses and options for online course registration are available at: maine.gov/ifw/programs-resources/safety-courses/snowmobile-safety.html To Schedule a course contact the safety coordinator for your area:

Sidney 1/8/22 - Kramer’s Inc. 8:30 am – 3:00 pm Contact Michael Foster – (207) 446-4122 or Michael.J.Foster@maine.gov

York Cumberland: Stephen Barr, 207-446-4173 Kennebec: Michael Foster, 207-446-4122 Somerset: Craig Gerry, 207-446-4249 Knox/Waldo: Jasmine Pomerleau, 207-441-3270 Androscoggin/Oxford: Michael Mayo, 207-446-4125 Lincoln/Sagadahoc: Vacant Franklin: Vacant Penobscot/Piscataquis: Charles Schaffer – 207-446-4132 Hancock/Washington: Vacant Aroostook/No Penobscot: Vacant

Here’s my order for the 2021 Snowmobile Maine Calendar

Number of Calendars: ________ x $10.00 = _____________ + Postage (1 Calendar): $3.00 _____________ (2-5 calendars): $7.75 _____________ Total Payment: _____________ Checks payable to the Maine Snowmobile Association Mail Calendar(s) to: Name: __________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________ City/State/Zip:____________________________________ If paying by credit card: Name:__________________________ Ph:_______________ Address:__________________________________________ Card Type Check One: MC_____ VISA_____ Discover _____

The calendar features photographs from across the state, contributed by MSA members whose work captures the beauty and excitement of snowmobiling in Maine. It includes information about the MSA, the list of MSA-affiliated snowmobile clubs, and marks major holidays throughout the year. The price for a calendar is $10 ,plus postage. Calendars are shipped USPS/Priority Mail-please include your US Postal Service mailing address. Calendars are also available at the MSA Office, 7 Noyes Street Place, Augusta. The calendar is produced by the MSA; proceeds benefit the Maine Snowmobile Association.

Card #_________________Exp Date:_____ CVV Code:_____

Signature: ________________________________________

Thank you for supporting the association through your calendar purchase.

Mail form and payment to: MSA-Calendar, PO Box 80, Augusta, ME 04332 Credit Card purchases may be faxed to: 207-622-7669

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This is how we do it!

Westbrook Trail Blazers

Eastern Maine Snowmobilers

Alna Snowmobile Club

Big Valley Sno Club

Anson-North Anson SC

Cornish Sno-Cruisers

Ashland Snowmobile Club

Bog Hooters

Border Rider’s Sportsman’s Club

Eagle Lake Winter Riders

Fryeburg Area Snowmobile Association

Caribou Snowmobile Club

Exeter Cross Country Cruisers

Linneus Sno Sports

Hillside Family Riders

East Branch Sno-Rovers

Bridgton Easy Riders

Lincoln Snowhounds

Paul Bunyan Snowmobile Club

Gorham SnoGoers

Ripley Trail Riders

Minot Moonshiners SC

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A MESSAGE FROM THE MAINE OFFICE OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

GOOD CALL, GOOD SAMARITAN.

2:07

I n a drug overdose emergency, 911 should always be an easy call. That’s why, in 2019, Maine passed a new Good Samaritan Law. Its purpose is to ease any hesitation a person might have about calling 911 for medical assistance. Bottom line: first responders want to keep everyone alive and safe, so call them right away if you ever witness or suspect an overdose. Even if you have Narcan on hand (another lifesaving choice), getting EMS/police there can make the difference between life and death.

Maine’s Good Samaritan Law:

Protects a person who calls 911 in a drug overdose emergency from arrest Protects the overdose victim from arrest

Learn More:

graphics@sharkeygraphics.com www.sharkeygraphics.com (207) 655-8668

At Sharkey Graphic Solutions

we are passionate about creating and printing your snowmobile and ATV maps with care and precision. *We are now taking new orders for your snowmobile and ATV maps, and weather permitting we can come directly to your club meeting to discuss our map

We’re looking for newspaper articles. Topics of interest.... All things snowmobiling!

Do you have a favorite ride that you’d like to share? Grooming or trail work tips. Product reviews. Stories of your adventures. Club events.

A member who goes above and beyond. If possible, please send along pictures for your articles. This paper is created for Snowmobilers and you are the experts - we’d love to have your input! Please submit articles to editor@mesnow.com

options with your club. Call us today and ask for Craig .

WE LOVE REC CLUBS!

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Variable Electric Power Steering (EPS) I Deluxe GT Series Wind Deflector I Stryke Single Keel Ski 2022 SIDEWINDER L-TX GT EPS Trail Performance For The High Mileage Rider. SNOW

REYNOLDS MOTORSPORTS 702 NARRAGANSETT TRL BUXTON, ME REYNOLDSMOTORSPORTS.COM

GARY’S YAMAHA 570 SWEDEN ST CARIBOU, ME GARYSYAMAHA.NET

ROGER’S SPORT CENTER 214 MARKET ST FORT KENT, ME ROGERSSPORTCENTERMAINE.COM

HOULTON POWER SPORTS 381 NORTH ST HOULTON, ME HOULTONPOWERSPORTS.COM

JACKMAN POWERSPORTS 549 MAIN ST JACKMAN, ME JACKMANPOWERSPORTS.COM

WHITTEMORE & SONS 257 WATERVILLE RD SKOWHEGAN, ME WHITTEMOREANDSONS.COM

WOODY’S PERFORMANCE CENTER 70 TOPSHAM FAIR MALL RD TOPSHAM, ME WOODYSYAMAHA.COM

YAMAHASNOWMOBILES. COM ©2021 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Product and specifications subject to change without notice. Professional rider on closed course under controlled conditions. Model shown with optional accessories. Always wear an approved helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Ride responsibly and always ride within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvering, and respect others around you. Know the conditions. Observe all state and local laws. Don’t drink and ride.

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Bureau of Economic Analysis – U.S. Department of Commerce Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account, U.S. and States, 2020

New statistics for 2020; prior years updated The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released sta- tistics today measuring the outdoor recreation economy for the nation, all 50 states, and the District of Columbia. The new U.S. data show that the outdoor recreation econ- omy accounted for 1.8 percent ($374.3 billion) of current-dol- lar gross. domestic product (GDP) for the nation in 2020 (national table 3). At the state level, outdoor recreation value added as a share of state GDP ranged from 4.3 percent in Montana to 1.2 percent in New

York and Connecticut. The share was 0.8 percent in the District of Columbia. Inflation-adjusted (real) GDP for the outdoor recreation economy decreased 19.0 percent from 2019 to 2020, compared with a 3.4 percent decrease for the overall U.S. economy. Real gross output for the outdoor recreation economy decreased 17.4 per- cent, while outdoor recreation compensation decreased 12.5 percent and employment decreased 17.1 percent.

COVID-19 Impact on the 2020 Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account

Outdoor recreation estimates were impactedby the response to the spread of COVID-19, as governments issued and lifted “stay-at-home” orders. This led to rapid changes in demand as consumers can- celed, restricted, or redirected their spending. The U.S. government passed several laws to support and sustain businesses and individuals through the pandemic. The full economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be

quantified in the outdoor rec- reation estimates because the impacts are generally embed- ded in source data and cannot be separately identified. For more information, see Federal Recovery Programs and BEA Statistics. Across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, out- door recreation employment decreased in 2020, ranging from –9.3 percent in Indiana to –27.2 percent in Hawaii. yment decreased 17.1 percent.

COVID-19 Impact on the 2020 Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account

Outdoor recreation activities fall into three general catego- ries: conventional activities (such as bicycling, boating, hiking, and hunting); other core activities (such as gar-

dening and outdoor concerts); and supporting activities (such as construction, travel and tourism, local trips, and gov- ernment expenditures).

In 2020, conventional outdoor recreation accounted for 37.4 percent of U.S. outdoor recre- ation value added, compared with 30.6 percent in 2019. The increase was due to higher spending on boating/fishing and RVing. Other outdoor rec- reation accounted for 16.8 per- cent of value added in 2020, compared with 19.7 percent in 2019. The decrease was driven by amusement parks/

water parks and festivals/ sporting events/concerts. Sup- porting activities accounted for the remaining 45.8 per- cent of value added in 2020, compared with 49.7 percent in 2019. Supporting activities, particularly travel and tour- ism-related activities, declined in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as consumers trav- eled less and reduced spend- ing at hotels and restaurants.

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Bureau of Economic Analysis – U.S. Department of Commerce Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account, U.S. and States, 2020

• Boating/fishing was the largest conventional activity for the nation as a whole at $30.8 billion in current-dollar value added and was the largest conventional activity in 39 states and the District of Columbia. Florida ($3.8 billion), California ($2.8 billion), and Texas ($2.8 billion) were the largest con- tributors to U.S. value added for the activity (state table 2). • RVing was the second-largest conventional activity nation- ally at $19.1 billion in current-dollar value added and was the largest conventional activity in five states. The largest con- tributors were Indiana ($3.4 billion) and Texas ($1.7 billion). • Snow activities was the largest conventional activity in Col- orado ($1.2 billion), Utah ($468.0 million), Vermont ($191.3 million), and Wyoming ($92.2 million) in current-dollar value added. At the national level, current-dollar value added for snow activities was $4.7 billion. Additional value added by activity highlights for 2020 include:

Outdoor recreation by industry

The outdoor recreation by industry data show the contribu- tion of different industries to the outdoor recreation economy, including their impact on value

added, gross output, employ- ment, and compensation. For the nation, the retail trade sector was the largest contrib- utor to U.S. outdoor recreation

value added in 2020, account- ing for $101.9 billion (national table 6). At the state level, retail trade was the largest contribu- tor to outdoor recreation value

added in 35 states. The lead- ing contributors were Califor- nia ($11.6 billion), Florida ($8.8 billion), and Texas ($8.6 billion) (state table 3).

Additional value added by industry highlights for 2020 include: • Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services, the second-largest sector, contributed $86.8 billion in current-dollar value added to outdoor recreation nationally. At the state level, this industry was the largest contributor to outdoor recreation in 13 states and the District of Columbia. • Manufacturing, the third-largest sector, contributed $52.8 billion nationally to the outdoor recreation economy. At the state level, this sector was the largest contributor to the outdoor recreation economy in Indiana ($5.3 billion) and Wis- consin ($1.9 billion).

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New Snowmobile Sales Data for Winter of 2020-2021 International Snowmobile Manufactures Association

Finland had sales of 3,437 new units sold, a minor decline and Russian new sled sales totaled 5,309 units – down approximately 10% from last year. Sales throughout other mar- kets in the world totaled 2,288 units – down 30% from last year. Overall, worldwide sales were strong. In addition to the strong new sled sales, reports from dealers and indi- vidual sales reports across North America show that many new snow- mobilers purchased used snowmo- biles and entered the market. The snowmobile industry is now realizing the lowest number of used or non-current models available in its history. We are looking forward to a great 2021-2022 season. States and Provinces also reported that there were over 1.9 million reg- istered snowmobiles in North Amer- ica. These registration numbers continue to steadily increase show- ing that snowmobiling continues to be an active, growing, healthy win- ter sport. Snowmobile registrations in the United States were up over 70,000 snowmobiles and Canada was up over 50,000 snowmobiles. Our recently conducted snow- mobile user survey showed that over 65% of all snowmobiling fam- ilies own 2 snowmobiles that they register and ride. 34% of the fami- lies report having 3 or more snow- mobiles. Increased registration in Northern Europe continues and there are over 350,000 active snow- mobilers now in Scandinavia. Snowmobile related tourism con-

tinues to increase in North Amer- ica and beyond. This activity can be seen in recent economic impact studies conducted by major univer- sities in conjunction with the State and Provincial Snowmobile Associ- ations. Over $38 BILLION DOLLARS in economic activity is generated by snowmobilers in North America. Miles ridden by snowmobilers continues to be strong. The average snowmobiler reported riding their primary snowmobile 1,555 miles this past winter. Primary snow- mobiles are considered to be 2017 models and newer. The average age of a snowmo- biler is 46 years old. Approximately 30% of all riders are aged 60 years or older. 88% of snowmobilers are male and 12% female. Surveys show that snowmobilers are active outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy snowmobiling with family and friend. 82% of first-time snowmo- bile buyers purchased a used snow- mobile and most plan to purchase a new snowmobile later in life. Snowmobile Tourism is a key com- ponent of the $788 Billion Tourism sector in the United States Econ- omy since we generate income and jobs for the rural economy during the winter months. Many jobs are generated by snowmobiling in the Rural Sectors of North American and Northern Europe. Snowmobilers are optimistic, fun loving people who enjoy outdoor sports and are a vital component to the economy.

T he new snowmobile sales data for the winter of 2020-2021 shows sales of new snowmobiles outper- forming economic growth world- wide. The resilient economies of North America and northern Europe battled back from the International Covid Pandemic and brought many individuals outdoors to enjoy out- door family recreation following social distancing and good, healthy activity. The winter of 20-21 reported excellent snow conditions in some of North America and Europe which helped to support the snowmobile community, manufacturers, dealers, and suppliers. This season, world- wide sales grew to 133,444 units sold, a 10% increase from last year. The sales increase was lead by the United States and Canada. In the US there were 59,234 new snowmobiles sold for a 16% increase from last season. In Canada there 50,567 new snowmobile sold for a 16% increase from last season. The new sled sales recorded in the United States are the highest since 2008. In Canada the new sled sales were the highest since the year 2000! The new snowmo- bile sales in Scandinavia and Russia reported 8,483 units sold in Sweden – an increase of 5% over last year. Norway sales were 4,126 new units sold, a 1% decline from last year.

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From The Executive Board

From the President

since last spring. Remember, that first ride to get familiarized with your new or old sled as it’s been a while and it usually takes a few miles before everything comes back. Make sure lakes have plenty of ice and swamps/bogs are frozen as well as those can have catastrophic results if not. Be safe as we get this party started! Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Now we move on to Santa’s time of year and also the MSASuper Raffle. Some lucky people are going to win some super prizes. We’ll have a list of winners on our website, Facebook page and next month’s newspaper. Congrats to all the winners! Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend a bridge dedication for Harvey Williams of North Anson. I met Harvey the first year I was MSA Trails Chairman at a restaurant in Skowhegan. Dave Wadsworth, who was the Trails Committee Central Region Vice Chair at the time had set up our mapping dinner. Dave introduced everyone at the table. Francis, Mike, Larry and Harvey. I remember it well as I had asked then MSA President Dave Stevens to attend. We had a great evening as we all got to know one another. One of the subjects of conversation that night was ITS 84, it’s river crossing and the trestle in North Anson. I was brought up to speed on the history of the trestle and Harvey’s work on it to keep it from literally falling in the river. Dave Wadsworth Ski-Doo Renegade 600 EFI from our friends at BRP and Moosehead Motorsports. By the way, Moosehead Motorsports added a higher windshield, heated electric shield jack and tunnel protectors. Arctic Cat and Kramer’s from Sidney gave us a deal on a ZR 200. Can’t wait to get that one! These three sleds are incredible prizes and we cannot thank these Maine dealers enough. More BIG prize’s How about the Nitro Hybrid enclosed 12 foot trailer? Donated fully by Chad Dow and Company in Pittsfield, Maine! WOW! More Wow’s Alcom/Sno Pro in Winslow comes through year after year with another tilt trailer capable of carrying two sleds. These two prizes total nearly $9,500.00. More generosity from two great trailer manufacturers right here in Central Maine. Kittery Trading Post has donated $500.00 again this year, this is one great gift card to be used at one of Maine’s best sporting goods store. The gift certificates from the vendor’s are worth a lot too, the kindness from these folks is second to none and again we could not do it without them. Thank you all. This raffle is all about the club’s and helping them. Some clubs sold record amounts, some sold average but at the end of the day, it’s their raffle and they get some much needed funds. The area VP’s have been hard at work single hour, minute and second invested in a club, landowner, business, rider or safety related topic will pay dividends in the future. For example, have you ever set down at your desk and planned an all weekend show and intertwine extensive costs with the outcome of being in the Black 3 days later? Have you ever tried to convince a club to give selling raffle tickets a try and they liked the thought but had their own very successful fundrais- ing methods? To appease they agreed to take 100 and see where it ended up. I am guessing it went well as after 2000+; they called and asked for some more tickets. Our staple clubs pushed their marks to new levels. Everyone loves surfing web pages right? Can’t be that tough right? Well flap that keyboard just a few times and “Boom”; Outcomes 28 pages of a 53-year history. Oh and by the way, run around the state and help educate the clubs on related issues and best practices to con- tinue in the future. While you’re at it, throw together the most up to date as possible and print 25,000 maps for every rider to have and get those in people’s hands. It can’t be very hard to transfer your books from an outdated accounting program to Quick Books while you’re doing this, right? Right? After finally throwing my hat into the trail work ring this weekend, I can’t begin to tell you how enjoyable this game is. Leaning

and Harvey did a lot together. Dave told me a lot about Harvey and his dedication to the NASC. Dave ended up being a great friend and I’m thankful that I got to know him and especially his crew. Harvey ended up retiring from the trails committee during my tenure as Trails Chairman, and I was sad to see him go. He had spent many years inspecting trails for the committee on top of all his local club “duties”. The Trestle Bridge in North Anson will forever be the Williams Bridge and a well deserved honor. Thank You Harvey! The MSA Showcase rides are back again this season. Eastern Region VP, Eileen Lafland, will be hosting a ride in her region on Feb. 12th. This year’s ride and meeting will be hosted by the Northern Timber Cruisers in Millinocket. Great views of Mt. Katahdin are usually a staple of the rides in this area. Northern Region VP, Matt Stedman has his ride planned in the Island Falls area on March 12 th . Some “hidden gems” in this area so make plans now to attend one or better yet both! These rides always feature great trails, scenery, food and conversation. The weather forecast looks like a roller coaster this week with a couple chances for snow so put on those snow dancing shoes and get dancing. It’s time and we are ready to ride. See you all next year (LOL). Think snow, Mike meeting club members and attending meetings. I would like to thank them all including the area VP’s and each club. Your passion and determination pays off and makes us a Northeast snowmobile destination. Everybody wants to come to Maine, we have it all and it’s made on your hard work and love for the sport. I’ve been getting call’s at the MSA office this fall from people from the south who want to come to our state to ride. A gentleman called from Mississippi while cutting his corn field! He said it is on his bucket list to come here to ride! Another called from Tennessee. Lots of New Yorkers too. It’s great to get a chance to talk to them. Hope you all have a great holiday season! Al H ere we go, take it slow. We’ve already had a serious accident involving a sled and pick up truck. While road riding a young man came over a hill on his sled and was involved in an accident while the truck driver was deer hunting. It’s too early folks for reporting like this. We should be talking about getting ready for a new season. By now, your sleds and trailer’s on your snowmobiling primates is one of a kind. The people that drive snowmobiling are the most dedicated, flexible, loyal, resil- ient, appreciative, and humble human beings on earth and don’t change a thing. Thanks to ALL of you. Our goals for the steering committee in 2022 will evolve into doing what we started in the first place. We will be looking extensively hard at finding the best Executive Director an organization could have. We hope to have this accomplished by the annual meeting but surely before the entry into 2023. Liz at the office has been nothing short of a miracle and digging in to no end. Other goals are to get more involved with our partner associa- tions around the state and country to further solidify snowmobiling into the future. Our bond with the state program has never been Safety Committee Chair Report

Lori Hemmerdinger (207) 890-5455 544 Plains Road • Poland, ME 04274 Treasurer@mesnow.com Treasurer’s Report Respectfully Submitted, Lori Hemmerdinger, Treasurer

Mike Grass, Jr., 207-368-2316 249 Condon Rd, Plymouth ME 04969 mgrassjr@gmail.com

Monthly Income Monthly Expense

$ 62,778.88 $ 43,613.15 $ 19,165.73

Net Revenue

stronger and one we continue to foster. Along those lines, Congrats to all the folks, clubs, riders and business’s from Oakland to Emb- den that have a new breath of fresh air in that neck of the woods. Finally, we hope to let our officers get back to doing what they signed up to do and enjoy leading Snowmobiling. I hope to see attendance at the Super Raf- fle drawing that we have never seen. Don’t forget, if you’re director is there, you’re club could snatch 400 bucks just for being there. The MSA has truly had a year to be proud of. Come join in the fun. A final shout out to the clubs as I am now seeing posts from clubs that trails are ready for the white stuff. Take the start of the season slow, safe and be supportive of the people who prepared it! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Folks! John Monk So, get ready, it’s going to be a great year! Take it slow, enjoy what the trials have to offer! Ride Right Ride Safe! Call for anything Thanks AL Checking (11/30/21) $163,544.94 DedicatedAccount (11/30/21) $ 81,609.27 Pay Pal (11/30/21) $ - Special EventsAccount (11/30/21) $ 6,050.04 Credit Line (11/30/21) $ - Building Fund (11/30/21) $ 53,794.15 BrianWass Safety Fund (11/30/21) $ 1,285.05 should be checked over and tuned up waiting for ridable snow. So, in the meantime how’s you’re clothing fitting? Did you buy a new jacket, pants, helmet or other goodies at the MSA show? Now’s a good time to try on your clothing to see if it still fits? Maybe you lost weight or like me gained weight! Check out your stuff before your first ride. We will be ordering more laminated safety posters soon and they will be ready by the end of December. Just give a call or email to place an order, yes, they are free. Have been work- ing with Brookfield Hydro. To promote safety on lake’s and river’s. Always check with the local’s before going on any frozen lakes. I recommend staying on the trail. It may be longer through the woods but it’s much safer than taking a chance with thin ice and pressure ridges. We are planning snowmobile safety checks at various major trials on our system. Stayed tuned we’ll be coming on a trial near you! Also, we have planned a few classroom safety courses with the IF&W folks. These classes are about 4-5 hours long and very well worth sitting in on.

W elcome to the 2021 riding season everyone. Seeing lots of trailwork and groomer preparation pictures on Facebook. The excitement is real now as we will ring in the new year and the 2021 season. Clubs and groomers are ready for the cold and snow and so are the riders who have been waiting oh so impatiently From the Executive VP & Safety Committee Chair

Alan Swett, 207-872-7282 234 County Rd, Waterville ME 04901 snowtraveler@roadrunner.com Executive VP Report

H appy Holiday’s! Well here we are in December. The success of the MSA show is behind us and now it’s off to the biggest super raffle ever! What a great feeling to be part of! Some awesome prizes a new 850 Matrix 137 Polaris from Polaris and Woody’s in Topsham, a 2022

Steering Committee

John Monk Chairman of Steering Committee W ow, it’s hard to believe that the last lap of 2021 is about ready to be finished. To say it was an easy run would be an under- statement, but it is times such as this that helped shape and build the story and gener- ate the great volunteers the MSA has built its reputation on. We are proud to say, that our organization has now completed a full cycle of yearly events with a pretty proud outcome on each one we have undertaken. Was it easy? NO WAY! Was it worth it? Hell Yeah! Every

CLUB MEMBERS Once grooming begins Submit your trail reports to: MSA@MESNOW.COM Please include your name and club affiliation

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sitive and need immediate attention. The first thing that comes to mind is the Club grooming grant applications, which need to be in to Joe Higgins office by December 31st. The Officer Update Form also needs to be submit- ted to Joe and is a necessary piece in order to receive any funding for the Clubs, there is also an Officer Update Form that needs to be submit- ted to the MSA as well. There are other vendor forms and various grant applications that should also be reviewed by the Club officers to see if they pertain to the Club and who is seeing that it gets done. I have seen this where one person in a club thinks that another person may be taking care of something and it ends up falling through the cracks, it makes it tougher when a deadline is past and we need to backtrack. Most of these time sensitive materials can be found in either the grant package that is sent out from Joe’s office (Dept. of A.C.F) or the Membership packets that the Clubs receive from the MSA. Some of this information can be found on the MSA Web page as well. This may all seem painstaking and confusing but it really has been streamlined and only takes a few minutes to complete, you can always reach out to either of these offices for assistance or to answer any questions. As far as the MSA Trails Committee goes, we have been very busy with (Trails Stuff). The Executive Vice President-Al Swett: A round of applause for the kitchen crew for putting on a great meal. He gave his heartfelt thanks to everyone involved with the show. Had a few hiccups, but overall, it exceeded his expectations. Raffle tickets are selling at a record setting pace. Fryeburg Fair sold $14,000 worth of tickets. The lure of a high end Polaris sled, the Ski-doo, the youth’s Artic Cat ZR 200, the enclosed trailer, the open trailer, the many gift certificates and other prizes has stirred so much enthusiasm with small clubs and large. It is just incredible how dynamic ticket sales have become. Liz, the new office help is working out very well. Taking calls, filing, all in all fits right in. She is awesome. Getting calls from all over Eastern states. Eastern Region- Eileen Lafland- Big thank you to Marion and crew for the meal. Marion is a local leader of raffle tickets, every Friday night selling at the local store. A couple dates: East Branch Snow Rovers January 29th Groomer Rodeo, demo equipment, a pig roast, and trail signage workshop. Eastern Region Showcase Ride February 12 in East Millinocket, leaving out of the Timber be paying attention for signs and new sights this riding season. A big THANK YOU to the new landowners and club volunteers for making these happen and keeping our communities & businesses connected. All this trail work can be very expensive, so please reach out to join &/or volunteer where you ride, your membership dollars will count even more this winter. The Northern Region Showcase ride this winter will be March 12th based out of the Big Valley Sno Club in Island Falls Maine. We will have a ride during the day & MSA Directors meeting in the evening, stay tuned for more details, look in that area to make reservations if you want to come up and stay the night or weekend. If you have a question, problem, concern, or idea on snowmobiling in “The County”, get in touch with me. You can contact me at the phone # or email below. Matt Stedman

new ITS maps have been out for a while and can be found at the MSA office or by contact- ing pretty much anyone in this paper, please bring these maps back to your Clubs and dis- tribute them to your local businesses or to any place that might get them into the hands of our fellow snowmobilers. We have also been busy with various Trails Workshops and meet- ings around the State, helping clubs with trail related issues and educating ourselves with bet- ter signing techniques. The Trails Committee is made up of about 40 passionate snowmobil- ers and is broken out into 5 Regions throughout the State to act as a liaison between the Dept. of A.C.F. Snowmobile Division and the Snowmo- bile Clubs to help with anything “Trail related” primarily the ITS system.

Trails Committee Chair Report

MSA CLUBS: To Order Needed ITS & JCT SIGNS

Contact Mike Grass Sr. MSA Trails Committee 252 Condon Rd Plymouth, ME 04969 207-368-4914 home 207-745-2745 cell Grasslands252@gmail.com

Mark Chinnock,Trails Committee Chair 207-754-9874 435 Poland Corner Rd, Poland ME 04274 napadude66@hotmail.com H ello Folks, I hope December finds every- body well, Thanksgiving has come and gone and Christmas is fast approaching. As time flies and people are busier than ever, now might be a good time to check off that Club list of things to do, and many of these are time sen- That’s about all I have for now and remember to get those trailers ready, get your sleds ready, get your gear ready, and thank a landowner whenever you have a chance. Let’s all have a safe and enjoyable season, and one more thing, if you have someone new to the sport riding in your group, please educate them on proper snowmobiling educate, it will benefit them as well as you and everyone else on the Trails. As always, if you have a question or anything to share please reach out to me, I would love to hear from you. Till next time, Thank you. Mark Director’s Meeting 569 - Glenburn Lakeside Riders SC, Glenburn, ME - Secretary’s Report - November 16, 2021 At 7:11 PM President Mike Grass Jr. called the meeting to order. Pledge of allegiance. To Order Club Trail Signage Candice Pinkham, DACF/Snowmobile Program 207-287-4957 Office 207-878-8111 Fax Candice.M.Pinkham@maine.gov

Cruisers clubhouse, for the showcase ride, then a directors meeting. A lot of clubs are working on their trails. Paul from Lincoln, stated that he has started and has a lot to do. Another club had some nice informational signs made up, only to be shot up as target practice. Western region: Jim Boyce-Rain has dampened trail work. Some are doing trail work in the rain. Carrabassett, little bit of good news. Spoke of how it was a learning experience to keep up with a Warden through the woods on a landowner issue. Central Region: Jack Lord- A lot reroutes, read the signs, issues with landowner property lines. Moving 87 again in Solon. Need snow. Safety: Al. Met with IF&W. Got updated on goings on, working through some tough landowner issues. Wear your PPE doing trail work, stay safe. MSA Trails: Mark Chinook- At the show trails workshop had 80 people. Shin Pond/ Pattern workshop 30 people. Waiting for groomable snow to inspect the trails. Hospitality: Gale Ryan No cards sent recently. Steering committee: John Monk- Expressed the frustrations of meetings changed to Zoom without contact information. Also trying to

understand the registration numbers versus the membership numbers, 10,000 members to 80,000 registered snowmobiles. Also added that with no T.V. adds we still had a great show. Membership: Eileen Lafland- gave a breakdown of 183 clubs, region by region. Director’s meeting/ Showcase rides December Waterville Elks Club -Super Raffle drawing December 16 th January Western region near the Oxford area January 15 th February Eastern region Millinocket area February 12 th March Northern region Southern part of Aroostook County Annual meeting Jeff’s catering in Brewer New business: Further information was discussed regarding members insurance. Other business: discussion of the details of the Western region showcase ride in Oxford January 15 th . Pot of Gold: Country Cousins Benton was drawn with no director present, $400.00 forfeited. 50/50 $55 went to Jack Lord Meeting adjourned 8:59 Respectfully submitted, Brad Barker, Secretary the deep freeze. Clubs are out building bridges brushing trails before the snow flies. Some bad news is Carrabassett is still shut down with no permission from Penobscot Nation hopefully it gets resolved soon. Other clubs are working had on reroutes to get through the season. I had the pleasure of working with the Strong Club to make a new trail that will hook up to ITS84 to take care of some traffic. Here is a couple of dates to remember. New Year’s Eve Kingfield Sno-Wanderers are having a bonfire and fireworks at the sled shed south side of town. Rangley Lake SC Annual Snodeo is January 21-23 also the Roxbury slippery sliders trail side cookout on ITS117 in Byron January 22. Think Snow and if you haven’t already, help out your local club we’re all in this together. Don’t forget January Directors Meeting will be by the Rock-O-Dundee Snowmobile Club in Oxford at the corner of King Street and Rt.121 on January 15. Jim

Secretary’s Report for October, posted in the newspaper, M/S/C and placed on file at the office. Treasurer’s report. Read and placed on file at the office. Mike introduce Mike Palermo from American Life. Mr. Palermo gave details of life and dismemberment benefits which could be offered to MSA members. No action was taken. President’s Comments- Mike Grass Jr.: Expressed appreciation for the help on the show. The show was a real success, amazed how things went so well for our first time completely on our own. Attended trail workshop in Pattern, with a total of eight clubs attended. Had a great meeting. Caribou reroute a half mile of trail on ITS 90, went up and helped get the trail opened up. Emily Smith of Smith Farm in Presque Isle closed all recreational trails, and then agreed to let the snowmobile trail continue. Thank you to Matt Stedman for being instrumental in the reopening of this trail. A round of applause to the kitchen help for a nice meal.

Northern Region VP

Western Region VP

Matt Stedman 207-557-1921 (call or text)

James Boyce, 207-265-6512 1168 Fosterhill Road Freeman ME 04983 Jboyce1168@gmail.com

PO Box 621, Ashland ME 04732 Stedman.matt@jdirving.com

H ello fellow snowmobilers, It’s the end of November in the County, and we have had a bit of snow and the ground is starting to freeze with some colder nights. There are many signals that snowmobile season is fast approaching. Field markers are present, road crossings marked & clubs posting on clubhouse signs and social media for workdays. Many re-routes are happening across the Northern Region (and statewide) this fall, so

H ello Everyone,

It’s early December and still waiting for

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monthly MSA Directors meeting in Water- ville on Dec 16 th . Last year we couldn’t gather to do this event but it will be happening this year. If the date hasn’t passed when you get your paper, why not come see who the lucky winners are and hear the monthly news from MSA? It will give you a chance the hear your name in person if you happen to have your ticket pulled. It is always a fun event. If it has passed, congratulations to all the winners and to all the clubs that sold the tickets. This was a large fund-raiser for clubs and MSA. Thanks to all who sold and bought tickets. Here are two dates to mark on your cal- endars and make a point to attend. The first on is Saturday, January29th, 2022. The East Branch Sno-Rovers in Medway will once again be holding their Groomer Rodeo. They invite groomer dealers to bring equipment and let people test ride them in real conditions. There are also other events happening at the club that day, including a pig roast and a MSA

trail workshop. Look for more information in this paper about it. The second date is February 12 th , 2022. That is the date for the Eastern Region Show- case ride. We will meet at the Northern Timber Cruisers Clubhouse at 8:30 and take a ride in the area to show what the region has to see. The plan is to come back to their club and that evening hold the monthly MSA Directors meeting. The club will be serving a dinner for all and the meeting is open to anyone. Again, look for more info to come and please make a reservation through the MSA office to attend the meal. You can also contact me, Eileen Lafland (llafland@midmaine.com) if you want more information. From Larry and myself, we wish all MSA members and their families Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for 2022.

A s I write this article, snow is falling. (Snow Dance is Working) clubs are in full swing getting ready for trails to open. Our season is almost here. Thank you to all the volunteers who keep our trails ready to ride. Thank you to all the Landowners who let us use your property. Congratulations to all the super raffle winners. I hope you enjoy your prizes. Merry Christmas, Happy New year, enjoy your riding. As always Ride Right and Be Safe Dave I don’t have much more to pass on but do want to wish everyone a very happy, safe and blessed Merry Christmas from my family to yours. Look forward to talking to all in 2022. Keep Smiling and if you need anything, give me a call. Think SNOW. Jack Lord Well, it’s 28 degrees out and there is white stuff in the air...Good Sign. I hope you all had a very happy and safe Thanksgiving Holiday. I have been checking with the clubs in the area and I’m told outside of special little and some big projects they are planning on in the coming months, everyone is ready for the snow and anxious to get going. I have said it before and continue to say it- Eastern region clubs are great. Clubs in this region are turning in memberships at a wonderful rate. Early season numbers show they are contacting members old, new and some from years past to sign them up and show them their club and MSA are alive and thriving. These same clubs are also sending in Super Raffle tickets a high rate, so that also shows people are anxious and wanting the sea- son to begin. Speaking of the Super Raffle the prizes will be awarded just before Christmas at the was only spitting a little but it was in the air and just a sign of many, many things to come, I hope! I know there have been places in the state that have gotten an inch or two of the white stuff, so hopefully it means we will have a great year. Right now, temperatures have to drop a great deal and water needs to freeze before we get too much so it will stay, but it is encouraging. H i Everyone,

Eastern Region VP

Eileen Lafland, 207-843-7813 PO Box 733, Holden ME 04429 llafland@midmaine.com

H

ey guess what I saw today, November 19 th , in Dedham, Maine? SNOW!!! It

Until next year (2022)! Eileen

Central Region VP

News from the Membership Corner By Eileen Lafland Snowmobile clubs across the state have definitely been busy sign- ing up family and business members both renewals and new mem- bers at a rapid pace. In just two days in mid-November overall total memberships went up almost 1,000! As of November 21 st , two hun- dred and one clubs have submitted memberships which is a great start to the year. Keep it up everyone and to the few clubs that hav- en’t sent in any memberships yet, we are waiting for yours. Of those 201 clubs over seventeen of them have between 50 and 100 memberships. There are also four clubs with between 100 and 150 memberships and two clubs are over the 150-membership mark. These totals are family and business memberships combined, not total number of family members. The rate of renewal memberships by all clubs is also a high point. It is wonderful to see businesses and families that have not been in the system for two or three years come back this year. Almost every club has returned at least one or two memberships from years ago. There are a few clubs that have gone above and beyond to re-sign these families and businesses. Here are just a few of those clubs: Night Drifters, Moosehead Riders, Hatchet Mountain, Wassokeag, Minot Moonshiners, Washburn Trail Runners, and the Sno-Devils. There are many other clubs that could be named here but these stand out. Now for the monthly combined totals of family and business mem- berships as of November 21 st . Coastal has 811, Central has 813, Western has 985, Northern has 1,046 and the Eastern Region has 1,397. There are 4,104 family memberships and 965 business memberships with total member- ships of 5,069. Let’s see what December brings! Happy holidays everyone!

Jack Lord Home: (207) 672-3915 • Cell: 207-717-7131 Email: jacklord5256@gmail.com

Coastal Region VP

David Watson, 207-205-1558 412 Roberts Ridge Rd East Waterboro ME 04030 dwatson6841@gmail.com

MSA MEMBERS CHANGE OF ADDRESS Let us know when your USPS mailing address has changed - so you won’t miss an issue of the Maine Snowmobiler Members Name: ______________________________________ Old Mailing Address: __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ NEW MAILING ADDRESS: __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ Mail to: Maine Snowmobile Association, PO Box 80, Augusta, ME 04332 fax: 207-622-7669 or e-mail info to: msa@mesnow.com

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